Promethazine Hydrochloride Solution for injection

What is this medicine?

PROMETHAZINE (proe METH a zeen) is an antihistamine. It is used to treat allergic reactions and to treat or prevent nausea and vomiting from illness or motion sickness. It is also used to make you sleep before surgery, and to help treat pain or nausea after surgery.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection into a muscle, or into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. This medicine should not be given to infants and children younger than 2 years old.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

blurred vision

burning, blistering, pain, redness, and/or swelling at the injection site

irregular heartbeat, palpitations or chest pain

muscle or facial twitches

pain or difficulty passing urine

seizures

slowed or shallow breathing

unusual bleeding or bruising

yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

headache

nightmares, agitation, nervousness, excitability, not able to sleep (these are more likely in children)

medicines for movement abnormalities as in Parkinson's disease, or for gastrointestinal problems

muscle relaxants

prescription pain medicines

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

glaucoma

high blood pressure or heart disease

kidney disease

liver disease

lung or breathing disease, like asthma

prostate trouble

pain or difficulty passing urine

seizures

an unusual or allergic reaction to promethazine or phenothiazines, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.

Your healthcare professional will discuss with you the risks and the benefits of using this medicine. This medicine has caused serious side effects in some patients after it was injected into a vein. Watch closely for any signs or symptoms of a local reaction like burning, pain, redness, swelling, and blistering and tell your healthcare professional immediately if any occur. These symptoms may occur when you receive the injection or may occur hours or even days after the injection.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol may increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water will help.

This medicine may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. See your eye doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

Keep out of the sun, or wear protective clothing outdoors and use a sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths.